Tragedy occured whilst the young man was climbing Torrecerredo, the highest peak of the Picos de Europa mountain range Credit: Wikipedia
A 28 year old British climber was just 20 metres from reaching the summit of one of Spain’s highest mountain peaks when tragedy struck, sending him plunging around 60 metres to his death.
The man was climbing Torrecerredo, the highest peak in the Picos de Europa mountain range, when he fell into a steep gully shortly before reaching the summit.
Spanish emergency services were alerted at around 1.27pm on Thursday, September 24, after reports that the climber had lost his footing. He fell approximately 60 metres down the mountain, according to reports from Spanish emergency services.
Tragedy near the summit
Torrecerredo stands at 2,649 metres above sea level and is one of the most challenging peaks in the Picos de Europa.
The British climber had reportedly been around 20 metres below the summit when the accident happened, meaning he was only about 65ft from the top.
A rescue operation was launched immediately, involving the emergency rescue service SEPA and a medical helicopter. Two Guardia Civil mountain rescue specialists from Cangas de Onis were also flown to the area.
The rescuers recovered personal belongings that had been scattered across the mountainside before the climber’s body was winched from the remote location.
His body was transported by helicopter to La Morgal in Llanera before being taken to the Asturias Institute of Legal Medicine, where a post-mortem examination is expected to take place. The British man’s identity has not been publicly released.
Second climber injured nearby
The fatal accident was followed by another serious incident in the same mountain area.
Just 18 minutes after the first emergency call, Spanish authorities received a separate alert concerning a 54-year-old French woman who had suffered injuries on the nearby Jou Sin Tierre peak. The woman is believed to have suffered fractures to both legs after an accident on the mountain.
Rescuers had to establish the circumstances surrounding the British climber’s death before they could attend to the second emergency. She was treated at the scene before being airlifted to the Hospital del Oriente in Arriondas for further medical attention.
Picos de Europa attracts hikers and climbers
The Picos de Europa stretches across northern Spain and is a popular destination for experienced hikers, mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The spectacular mountain range covers parts of Asturias, Cantabria and Castilla y León and is known for its dramatic limestone peaks, deep valleys and challenging terrain.
Torrecerredo is particularly significant to mountaineers as the highest point in the range. However, the rugged landscape can present serious risks, particularly on steep sections and in rapidly changing weather conditions.
The latest tragedy comes months after another British man died in the Picos de Europa after becoming lost while hiking. The 61-year-old had contacted emergency services and reportedly told rescuers he was lost and exhausted after poor weather reduced visibility in the mountains. His body was later discovered in the Moeño channel.
The latest incident is now being investigated by Spanish authorities.
